Boiled · Essential method

Soft-boiled eggs

Set whites with a warm, flowing or jammy yolk.

Time7–9 minutes
Makes2 eggs
HeatBare simmer
A soft-boiled egg with a warm flowing yolk, served in an egg cup
Four halved boiled eggs progressing from a flowing yolk to a fully set yolk
Doneness is a progression. Egg size, starting temperature and altitude can shift the timing, so use the yolk texture as well as the clock.

Method

  1. 1

    Bring enough water to cover the eggs to a gentle boil.

  2. 2

    Lower in the eggs with a spoon and reduce to a steady simmer.

  3. 3

    Cook for 7 minutes for a flowing yolk or 8–9 minutes for jammy.

  4. 4

    Transfer to cold water for 1 minute, then serve.

What to look for

Use the cues, not only the clock.

The shell may show fine bubbles but should not be knocked around.

The white should be opaque and set; the yolk thickens from the outside inward.

If it goes wrong

Cracked shell: lower the egg more gently and avoid a violent boil.

Too firm: shorten the next batch by 30–60 seconds.